Battling Crohn’s Disease

  • ₱18,500
    Donated So Far
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***If you’re currently based in the Philippines, you can opt to send help through my BPI (Bank of the Philippine Island) account
Account Name: Arneil Joefer Arcilla Sarines
Savings Account: 9599-0413-78
***You can also send thru GCash. Just click bank transfer or Send Money>Send to Bank

Hello everyone, my name is Joey Sarines and you're probably wondering about the photo. Me lying in the hospital bed, smiling. Smiling even though I know that my life is at stake and not knowing what will happen at that time. But still, I have to smile, to fight and to be positive.

Just recently this February, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, a rare autoimmune disease. My immune system is specifically attacking a part of my intestine, the ileum, producing ulcers that looks like cobblestones which are actually accumulated dead neutrophils/white blood cells. Symptoms include an excruciating abdominal pain (believe me, it is indeed excruciating), diarrhea (which I thought was because of my hyperacidity and gallstones, perianal discomfort and itchiness, to name a few. The pain only manifested this January which I thought was just nothing, then it got worse and frequent to the point that I can't eat anymore, thus the other symptom weight loss.

After I got discharged from the time I was diagnosed, my gastroenterologist told me that I need this medication, called vedolizumab (ENTYVIO is a brand name), its a strong immunologic drug that costs 104,000 pesos ($2,000) each vial and I will be needing 8 vials for this year. So yeah, where to get that large amount of money right? So I said since my condition is currently controlled by the oral medications prescribed by my doctor, I told him that we'll have to save first for the first vial and then let's infuse it. So while saving up, the inevitable happened....

On Mar 05, 2019 after eating breakfast at work, I went to the bathroom since I have an urge to poop. Then was wondering why am I having diarrhea again and it really smell awful. Upon checking, I saw blood. I was like what???? What's happening. Then it's going frequent that I already have to go to the Emergency Room of the hospital near our office. But then, I already collapsed due to losing so much blood that my colleagues at work already have to rush me to the hospital since my life is already at stake.

So then, I was admitted in the hospital. But the bleeding did not stop. I am already on diapers (which was really awkward, I know right but I have no choice, I can't even go to the comfort room due to weakness) and the pooping of blood won't stop, I really thought I was gonna die. Thankfully there are meds to stop the bleeding. And they have to transfuse bags of blood since I already lost a lot due to profusely bleeding.

My gastroenterologist went to my room and made rounds, ask us if we can already buy vedolizumab, since this complication, the massive internal bleeding, is actually a rare one in Crohn's Disease. He even told me that I was his first patient with Crohn's Disease who had a massive internal bleeding. So it's already a must that the medication must be infused as soon as possible. So with the help of some friends, some savings, we were able to buy the first vial and my response to the medication is really good. But my body is still recuperating from losing so much blood. Actually up to now, I am still feeling weak, but recovering, fighting Crohn's Disease.

So here I am, knocking to your kind hearts, if you can help me sustain my medication. The medication will actually help to avoid any complications that the disease my bring upon. Any amount will actually do, just to help me. I hope you can provide your help. Rest assured that the proceeds will go to my treatment and anything unpredictable which may happen (fingers crossed, I hope nothing will happen).

Thank you for those who can help! And I know the Lord will see how will you be of help to those who are in need! =)

PS: My apologies for the long message. But I know it's worth the read. =)

Organizer

  • Arneil Joefer Sarines
  •  
  • Campaign Owner

Donors

  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Mar 03, 2021
Amount Hidden
  • Guest
  • Donated on May 01, 2019
₱1000.00
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Apr 12, 2019
  • As a crohn's patient too, I know how hard it is.... but you can overcome all of this.

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Donors & Comments

10 donors
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Mar 03, 2021
Amount Hidden
  • Guest
  • Donated on May 01, 2019
₱1000.00
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Apr 12, 2019
  • As a crohn's patient too, I know how hard it is.... but you can overcome all of this.

Amount Hidden
  • Guest
  • Donated on Apr 09, 2019
₱1000.00
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Apr 07, 2019
Amount Hidden
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Apr 07, 2019
₱2000.00
  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Apr 07, 2019
  • Get well soon Arneil! Praying for your speedy recovery! 😃

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  • Anonymous
  • Donated on Apr 06, 2019
Amount Hidden
  • Karla Singson
  • Donated on Apr 06, 2019
  • Get well soon, you are stronger than you think :) Godspeed! - Karla, Lendle and Angela Singson

₱2000.00
  • Guest
  • Donated on Apr 06, 2019
₱1500.00
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Followers

5 followers
Remer Villanueva
Camille Rivera
Jeffin Tagsip
Kaye Mendoza
Abegael Mae Seno
₱18,500
Donated So Far

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